Sarah J. Burgin, MD

Sarah Burgin, MD, joined Indiana University School of Medicine faculty in 2016 after completing residency training in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at the University of Michigan. Dr. Burgin is broadly trained to treat all diseases of the ears, nose and throat, but her area of clinical interest and specialty expertise lies in diseases of the ear. She has focused her clinical practice on the diagnosis and treatment—including surgical treatment—of chronic ear disease, including cholesteatoma; sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, including cochlear implantation; and dizziness and balance disorders. 

Dr. Burgin earned her medical degree from IU School of Medicine in 2010 and completed the advanced research training in otolaryngology program at the University of Michigan. Her prior research interests have included evaluation of biomarkers in head and neck cancer and the biology of cancer stem cells; quality of life among cancer survivors; and evaluation of pathologic discordance in cranial base tumors. At IU School of Medicine, Dr. Burgin studies the biochemical pathways involved in tumors of the lateral skull base, in collaboration with established researchers.

Dr. Burgin chose the field of otolaryngology because the functions of the head and neck—hearing, speaking, eating and facial expression—are physiologically complex, and their impairment can be socially, emotionally, academically and professionally debilitating. In her clinical practice, she has the privilege of helping patients preserve and regain these functions.

Her practice philosophy can be summed up by one of Dr. Burgin’s academic mentors, Greg Wolf, MD: “Listen to the patient; they’ll tell you what is wrong.”

In her free time, Dr. Burgin enjoys spending time with family, gardening and cheering on her alma mater, the Fighting Irish.